Nigeria’s Department of State Services has reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata, with plans to invite key suspects for questioning.
Dadiyata, a lecturer at Federal University Dutsinma, was declared missing in August 2019 after armed men reportedly abducted him from his residence in Kaduna State. Nearly seven years later, his whereabouts remain unknown.
Fresh concerns have been raised by his wife, Kadijah, who spoke about the painful uncertainty surrounding his disappearance in a video interview with Reno Omokri, shared on X.
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Friday, 20 February 2026 05:39
DSS Reopens Dadiyata Case After 7 Years as Political Blame Game Intensifies
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— Family Cries for Answers
Nigeria’s Department of State Services has reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata, with plans to invite key suspects for questioning.
Dadiyata, a lecturer at Federal University Dutsinma, was declared missing in August 2019 after armed men reportedly abducted him from his residence in Kaduna State. Nearly seven years later, his whereabouts remain unknown.
Fresh concerns have been raised by his wife, Kadijah, who spoke about the painful uncertainty surrounding his disappearance in a video interview with Reno Omokri, shared on X.
During the visit, Omokri expressed support for Kadijah and her children, promising to push for justice. Kadijah, visibly emotional, said she still holds onto hope.
“We pray that one day he will come back,” she said, appealing to Nigerians to help the family discover whether he is alive or not.
She also spoke about a controversial 2019 social media post allegedly made by the son of a former governor, describing it as hurtful and difficult to process.
Kadijah recounted witnessing the abduction from her window as her husband arrived home in Barnawa. The shocking incident has remained a major public concern, with persistent calls for accountability.
Omokri has urged Uba Sani to provide assistance to the family — including support for their welfare, education, and possible relocation — stressing that the nation owes them a duty of care.
Political Reactions and Renewed Controversy
The case resurfaced on February 14, 2026, after Nasir El-Rufai denied any involvement, insisting Dadiyata had been more critical of the Kano State government than Kaduna authorities.
He claimed he was unaware of Dadiyata before the abduction was reported and suggested the Kano State government should be questioned instead.
However, former Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje rejected the allegation through a statement issued by Muhammad Garba, describing the claims as baseless and an attempt to shift blame.
Ganduje maintained that Dadiyata was widely known in Kaduna for his criticism of the state government.
Investigation Expands
According to a security source quoted by The PUNCH, authorities have intensified the probe. The DSS reportedly seized El-Rufai’s passport at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to prevent him from travelling abroad while investigations continue.
Sources also claim the agency is examining multiple missing-person cases and plans to invite El-Rufai’s sons for questioning over the alleged kidnapping.
